Erma Byrd Center
The Erma Byrd Higher Education Center and Allied Health Wing





COVID-19 Pandemic Information:
Visit the WV Higher Education Policy Commission's page for COVID-19 updates.
HISTORY
Expanding College Access & Fueling Economic Development in Southern West Virginia
In 2012, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission assumed operation of the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center -- the Mountain State's first higher education collaborative.
Working close with the nonprofit Higher Education Foundation, which secured funding for the campus, the Commission and its campus collaborators are promoting greater innovation and efficiency in higher education through this groundbreaking partnership.
Five years later, the Erma Byrd Higher Education Complex is now home to the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Allied Health Wing, and the main campus of New River Community and Technical College -- making the Complex a cutting edge resource for expanding access to higher education and fueling economic development throughout southern West Virginia.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
At this University Drive Complex, students can pursue degree offerings (both in seat and online) ranging from certificates to a doctoral degree.
Campus and Complex partners:
ALLIED HEALTH WING
Working to meet WV's demand for qualified healthcare professionals
In 2015, the Commission opened a second collaborative facility at the Complex. Known as the WVHEPC Allied Health Wing, the new facility focuses on expanding access to healthcare education to meet our state's demand for qualified healthcare providers.
Bluefield State College, Concord University, New River Community and Technical College, and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine's Southeastern Regional Operations offer classes, testing, and education days at both the Allied Health Wing and at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center.
Students are pursuing programs in (but not limited to) the following: Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Emergency Medical Technology (EMT), Laboratory Technology, and Medical Assisting at the facility.
CAMPUS
The Complex includes three modern buildings:
- The Erma Byrd Higher Education Center
- The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Allied Health Wing
- New River Community and Technical College's main campus
CAMPUS PERKS
Students attending classes or completing programs at The Erma Byrd Higher Education Center & Allied Health Wing enjoy the following perks:
- FREE parking
- On-site security
- WiFi access
- Quiet study areas
- Student-centered customer service
- Quality education
- Close to home
- Caring faculty and staff
- Enjoyable environment
- Market-style vending
COLLABORATION
Driving innovation and efficiency through system wide collaboration
The Complex allows its campus partners --- and business and community organizations in the area --- to minimize costs by sharing and renting state-of-the-art facilities, including:
- classrooms
- distance learning labs
- science labs
- computer labs
- lecture halls
- administrative offices
- conference rooms
- faculty work spaces, and
- a multi-media library.
COLLABORATIVE AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
In addition to providing West Virginia students with higher education options close to home, the Complex also plays an important role as a community center. It organizes and plays host to regional job fairs, blood drives, public lectures, conferences and K12 academic events.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Areas of Study:
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing (LPN, ADN, RN, MSN, FNP)
- Radiology
- Business
- Social Work
- Education
ONLINE ACCESS
The Erma Byrd Higher Education Center serves as a reliable access point for online students enrolled in programs offered at partnering institutions. The Center has a dedicated Student Online Collaboration Room for online students who want to meet, study and complete assignments. Additionally, the Center serves as a meeting site for any scheduled meetings with faculty teaching online courses.
Read what others have to say about the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center & Allied Health Wing below: